[Combined use of lentinan with X-ray therapy in an experimental mouse tumor system (Part 3). Combined effect on metastatic tumors].

Combination effect of lentinan with X-ray irradiation on the metastatic mouse tumors, L1210, KLN205 and Lewis lung carcinoma were studied. Combination use of lentinan with X-ray therapy prolonged the life of BDF1 mice bearing L1210 leukemia in the suitable combination conditions. Combination effects of lentinan with X-ray therapy were also observed on the suppression of the growth of KLN205 squamous cell carcinoma and on the suppression of the metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma.

[Combined use of lentinan with X-ray therapy in an experimental mouse tumor system (Part 2). Combined effect on the MM102 syngeneic tumor].

C3H/He mice transplanted syngeneic MM102 tumor subcutaneously in the footpad were used to study the timing of administration of lentinan when combined with local irradiation of X-ray. In combination with 1,000 rads irradiation, the administration of lentinan after X-ray was not effective. When lentinan was administered in combination with 2,000 to 3,000 rads irradiation, the growth of tumor was decreased significantly in comparison with the groups which received radiotherapy alone and those that received lentinan alone.

[Combination use of lentinan with X-ray therapy in a mouse experimental tumor system (Part I). Basic studies].

Apparent reduction of leukocyte counts was observed in mice irradiated with 1,500 approximately 3,000 rads of X-ray on the left hind leg. This reduction of leukocyte counts was completely protected by the pre-treatment with lentinan before X-ray irradiation. Suppressive effect of X-ray on the antitumor function of lentinan seems to be weak.

[Suppressive effect of lentinan on pulmonary metastases in murine tumors].

Lentinan has been shown to have a suppressive effect on the natural pulmonary metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma, though its effect seems to depend on the timing of the administration. Administration of lentinan after the amputation of tumor was found to be more effective than before administration. Additionally, lentinan also has shown a marked suppressive effect on the pulmonary metastasis of MC-CS-1 fibrosarcoma, a high sensitive tumor for lentinan in any administration examined.

[Age-dependent anti-tumor activity of lentinan in mice].

During the course of aging, the weight percentage of organs such as kidney to body weight remain almost unchanged, whereas the weight of the thymus decreases significantly. The antitumor activity of Lentinan is constant in mice younger than 1 year (52 weeks). From 52 weeks, aging has a suppressive effect on antitumor activity.